Home Improvement--General/Expert Profile

Expertise

I have years of experience dealing with water infiltration issues associated with windows and doors. I have been a certified EIFS installer and am familiar with all types of stucco and masonry veneers. I can help you select the best windows and doors for any residence or multifamily building.

Experience in the area

I've been a building contractor since 1977. Prior to that time I was the building official for Frederick County Virginia. I'm currently licensed in six states including: Oregon, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Florida. My primary business is solving and correcting water infiltration problems in residential structures.

Education/Credentials

Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, 1972. I am an accredited instructor for the Installation Masters Institute. I regularly teach window and door installers how to be Certified Master Installers of windows and doors. The Installation Masters Institute is currently licensed to and administered by Architectural Testing Inc. for the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

All windows and doors are built to meet specific standards. If a window or door is installed and maintained properly and still allows water infiltration to occur, it's likely that unit was not designed for that specific environment.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

To some extent all exterior claddings absorb water, with one exception, windows. The area directly beneath any window must deal with not only the water that lands directly upon it but also with the water that drains off of the glass surface above. This higher exposure often overruns the capacity of the exterior cladding and causes water infiltration.